HOME FIXTURES

By David Fierro

Greenwich True Value Hardware has been open on a regular basis for more than a century — and even the coronavirus could not stop that steak.

The hardware store near the central business districthas continued to operate as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic as most stores and offices near it closed their doors.

“We have been open seven days a week since 1904 and we have remained open,” said Trey Kelsey, owner of the store at 205 Railroad Ave. “We have a dedicated staff that has been serving our customers during this challenging time. So far, we have received a lot of walk-in customers and we’ve also done some deliveries.

“There is a different fear level, a different level of concern, among people. Some people don’t want to get out of their car and walk into a store during this time.”

Employees at the hardware store are required to wear protective masks, as are all customers visiting the store.

“We have maintained our staff, in hopes that the government will keep up their end of their bargain,” Kelsey said. “A lot of businesses have shut down and laid everyone off. We have not done that, we are considered an essential business and will remain open.”

Home improvement products, household items and emergency medical supplies have been big sellers since the COVID-19 outbreak, with customers looking to do projects and stay safe during the stay-home orders from the state.

“There has been a huge increase in home projects, but it’s hard to tell if it’s because of what is going on, or that because it’s spring time,” Kelsey said. “But we are having an increase in home project products. This is when everyone seems to be doing things that have been on their to-do list.”

Grills and propane for grills have been widely sold lately, too, he said.

“Even though the weather hasn’t been great, all families are home now, so a lot of people are having barbecues,” said Kelsey, whose store is also dealing with the impact of heavy construction in the Railroad Avenue area that has disrupted local businesses. “Our service end of the business has held up. We are doing all of our typical services, like screen repair. Delivery is a whole new dynamic, with the six-foot spacing. A lot of people don’t want you on their property.”

At Feinsod Hardware on 268 Sound Beach Ave. in Old

Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Feinsod Hardware and other local hardware stores have been deemed essential businesses and have stayed open throughout the coronavirus outbreak.

Salesperson Deshawn McRae rings up a customer behind a plexiglass barrier at Feinsod ACE Hardware in Old Greenwich on Wednesday. At right, employee Joe Biase scans items at Feinsod.